"This is the most intense tropical storm since Yasi, so we're always going to get a little bit tense about this," he said.

Torrential rain and destructive winds of up to 280 kilometres per hour are expected.

Sea levels are expected to rise significantly above the normal tide between Cape Grenville and Cairns, and heavy downpours may lead to flooding and flash flooding in the Peninsula and Tablelands districts as early as Thursday.

The Great Barrier Reef resort of Lizard Island has been evacuated as a precaution and will be closed until Sunday.

State Emergency Services says communities including Port Douglas and Cooktown could be in for a rough time, but locals know what to expect.

"I think there's great response from the communities directly in the path, especially Lockhard River. They've made a lot of arrangements, through to Coen and Cooktown," spokesman Wayne Coutts said.

Emergency Services Minister Jack Demspey says authorities will "plan for the worst and hope for the best".

"The logistics and the manpower have already gone into those places to assist the community," he added.